Is Trump helping other world leaders gain popularity back home?

From Trump’s Tariffs to the Ukraine War: How Global Leaders Are Turning Diplomatic Clashes into Political Wins

The presidency of Donald Trump has been marked by a series of high-profile diplomatic disputes with leaders around the world. Whether it’s trade tariffs, border disputes, or the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Trump’s confrontational approach has created tense relationships with multiple nations. However, what’s intriguing is that while Trump has framed his combative style as “America First,” many of these global leaders are experiencing a political boon, with their approval ratings and poll numbers soaring. Leaders like Canada’s Mark Carney, Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum, and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy are gaining traction domestically, seemingly because of how they’ve navigated their interactions with the U.S. president. But is this rise in popularity directly tied to their handling of Trump, or are other factors at play? This summary delves into the data, expert insights, and broader dynamics shaping these political shifts.

The Trudeau Legacy and Canada’s Political Shift

Justin Trudeau, who served as Canada’s prime minister since 2015, stepped down in March 2025 amid mounting internal and external pressures. His resignation came as Trump escalated trade tensions, threatening tariffs on Canadian exports. Trudeau initially adopted a cautious approach, avoiding direct confrontation with Trump, even as the U.S. president mocked him publicly. However, as Trump imposed tariffs in early March, Trudeau took a firmer stance, declaring, “Canadians are reasonable, and we are polite. But we will not back down from a fight. Not when our country and the wellbeing of everyone in it is at stake.”

This shift in rhetoric coincided with a dramatic turnaround in the political fortunes of Canada’s Liberal Party. According to polling data from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), the Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, had a 24-point lead over the Liberals in January. By March, this gap had narrowed to just 5.5 percentage points, with the Liberals now trailing by a much smaller margin. Analysts attribute this reversal to a combination of factors, including Trudeau’s resignation, the arrival of new Prime Minister Mark Carney, and the public’s perception of Trump’s threats to Canadian sovereignty. Carney’s ability to appeal to a broad spectrum of voters has further bolstered the Liberals’ prospects. Interestingly, Poilievre’s similarities to Trump in style and rhetoric may also be alienating swing voters, prompting them to reconsider their support for the Conservatives.

Mexico’s First Female President Shines Amid Tariff Tensions

Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, has enjoyed unprecedented approval ratings since taking office in October 2024. Her handling of Trump’s tariff threats and her proactive approach to addressing immigration issues have resonated with the Mexican public. Sheinbaum deployed 10,000 National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border to curb unregulated immigration, a move that was well-received domestically. When Trump delayed tariffs on certain Mexican products, Sheinbaum’s approval ratings surged, with polls indicating 85% of Mexicans approved of her leadership in February. This is the highest approval rating for a Mexican leader in the past 30 years.

While Sheinbaum’s success can be partially attributed to her predecessor Lopez Obrador’s enduring popularity, her strategic handling of Trump has also played a significant role. Mexicans have rallied behind her as she navigates the challenges posed by the U.S. administration, with many viewing her as a strong and effective leader. Her focus on social welfare programs, such as the Sembrando Vida initiative, has further cemented her popularity. Nonetheless, not all Mexicans view the relationship with Trump’s administration favorably, highlighting the complexities of balancing domestic support with international diplomacy.

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Sees a Surge in Trust Amid Conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has found himself at the center of a heated diplomatic conflict with Trump. Despite Trump’s public criticisms, including labeling Zelenskyy a “dictator,” the Ukrainian leader has maintained a conciliatory tone, emphasizing gratitude for U.S. support and expressing readiness for peace negotiations. This approach has resonated with Ukrainians, who have seen Zelenskyy’s trust rating jump from 57% in February to 67% in March, according to a survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS).

Analysts suggest that Ukrainians perceive Trump’s rhetoric as an attack on their nation, leading to a rally-around-the-flag effect. Zelenskyy’s ability to maintain a calm and dignified demeanor in the face of external pressure has further bolstered his image as a unifying figure. While the U.S. has since restored military aid to Ukraine, Zelenskyy’s handling of the situation has solidified his position as a leader capable of navigating complex international challenges.

Europe Steps Up: Macron and Starmer’s Diplomatic Play

In the wake of Trump’s decision to exclude Ukraine and European leaders from key discussions on the war, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have taken center stage. Both leaders have engaged directly with Trump, with Macron hosting an emergency summit of European leaders to address the crisis. Starmer, meanwhile, has proposed a “coalition of the willing” to devise a peace plan, signaling a more assertive role for Europe in resolving the conflict.

These efforts have yielded positive results for both leaders domestically. Starmer’s approval ratings have risen from 22% to 27% since he took office, with much of this surge tied to his handling of the Ukraine crisis. Macron’s ratings have also climbed, from 17% in February to 27% in March. Experts point to their ability to project strength and strategic thinking on the international stage as key factors in their growing popularity. For voters, the perception that these leaders are effectively navigating complex geopolitical challenges has enhanced their credibility.

What’s Behind the Political Gains?

While the exact relationship between these leaders’ handling of Trump and their rising popularity is complex, several common themes emerge. First, voters often respond positively to leaders who are seen as standing up for their nation’s interests without appearing confrontational. Whether it’s Trudeau’s firm but polite stance, Sheinbaum’s patient diplomacy, or Zelenskyy’s calm resolve, these leaders have struck a balance that resonates with their electorates. Second, the perception of external threats, such as Trump’s tariffs or criticism, often unites voters behind their leaders, creating a sense of national solidarity. Finally, domestic factors, such as policy initiatives and leadership transitions, also play a critical role in shaping public opinion.

In conclusion, the political gains of leaders like Trudeau, Sheinbaum, Zelenskyy, Macron, and Starmer are not solely the result of their interactions with Trump. Instead, they reflect a combination of strategic diplomacy, effective communication, and a keen understanding of domestic priorities. As global tensions continue to rise, how these leaders navigate their relationships with Trump and other international partners will remain a critical factor in their political success.